Magus equivalent?

[FrodoOf9Fingers]

Hey folks!

So, my friend is a DnD 3.5 fan and is trying to tell me there's no real 3.5 equivalent for the Magus. I was always under the impression that there was always more resources for 3.5 than pathfinder, but that pathfinder was not nearly as broken. So, my question is: Is there an equivalent for the Magus in 3.5? How about the Kensai Archetype? Anyone know? I'm trying to convince him that pathfinder is the way to go :).

[Zhayne]

Duskblade probably comes closest.
Any martial-arcanist prestige class combo would cover the idea as well.

[RJGrady]

Duskblade Havoc Mage

[Drachasor]

Duskblade is the very obvious alternative, and in fact the Magus was probably based on the Duskblade.

Of course, 3.5 has a ton of ways to make a Gish and a ton of spells that are good for gishes. So going with a Wizard or Sorcerer base for a Gish in 3.5 works quite well.

[Stome]

I honestly disagree with the idea that any gish=Magus analog. Most of the multiclassed and PrC gish builds are someone that cast buffs then can melee.

Magus on the other had is a true blending of magic and melee at the same time. Able to dish out the smack and zap all at once.

So duskblade is the only true analog (as was said its likely Magus was inspired by it.) and while it falls short in some places compared to the Magus it has its up sides. Like that its abilities work with a twohanded weapon. I loved my reach duskblade build. I have often wished there was a way to make it work with a magus. (can to a limited degree but you are stuck at one attack a round forever.)

[Drachasor]

There are gishes that could use even heavy armor and blend some casting with melee. Some could just blend casting and melee.

And let's not forget that Arcane Strike for 3.5 was an awesome feat for gishes with multiple attacks.